Pianist Andrea Vicari is involved in a remarkable number of musical groups and projects. She has also just brought out her fourth album, Mango Tango, with saxophonist Pete Wareham and the fine Steve Waterman on trumpet. So it was a special treat to hear her at the Spin with the house band. On the other hand, there are times when a house band and guest soloist do not immediately gel, particularly when there is the potential conflict of guitar and keyboard, both of whom can play solo and accompaniment. After problems with the sound balance had been redressed and Vicari had quietly taken control this was, nevertheless, an evening of great music from one of the finest keyboard players in the country.

The music came together with the fourth number, a Vicari original Counting Minutes that began with an extended baroquelike intro on keys in which the delightful mix of delicate lines and absolute groove in Vicari’s playing was able to shine through. She uses both hands with equal emphasis, giving her playing great harmonic depth and excitement. Her compositions are varied without being overcomplex. In Sixes and Sevens the sharp upbeat syncopation of the melody was a refreshing shaft of clean sound compared with the more tortuous lines favoured by other contemporary jazz composers. This was a tune that also brought out a great solo from Raf Mizraki, demonstrating his assurance and musicality. Throughout the evening Vicari’s soloing was wonderfully precise and immensely diverse. There was no feeling of personal tricks or standby phrases being used when ideas failed. In Parker?s Billie?s Bounce, taken at a stunning pace, she had the control to refer to and build on the melody rather than take the softer option of going into a blast of bluesy bebop.

During the evening Vicari also brought out the talents of all members of the Spin trio so alongside Pete Oxley there were also some great solos from Raf on bass and Mark Doffman who was on great form. The Spin programme continues until the end of July.